Ruling on combining Salahs due to being busy with teaching
Q:
We are teachers and many a time we hear the Adhan (call to Prayer) of Zhuhr (Noon) and `Asr (Afternoon) Prayers while we are busy with students and we cannot stop the classes for such classes have fixed times during which they must be fulfilled. What is the ruling on delaying these two Salahs (Prayers) until soon before the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer?
A:
It is not permissible to delay performing a Salah and combine it with another except for a Shar`y (Islamic legal) excuse such as illness or travel. But to delay it for teaching (Part No. 7; Page No. 42) is actually not an excuse, for Muslims should organize school classes in such a way that allows no conflict with the times of obligatory Salahs.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.